Thinus Delport says that this is the last chance for the boks to gain momentum for the World Cup.
Springboks must impose themselves, says Thinus Delport
For parts of the game in Durban the Springboks looked like they restored South African rugby pride. The defensive organisation showed a vast improvement from the previous tests and the Springboks discipline in the first half was very impressive.
The danger signs of what the Wallabies are capable of started to flash late in the first half when Quade Cooper started a counter-attack from within his in-goal area after a long range dropped goal attempt by Frans Steyn. After several phases, referee Bryce Lawrence ended the half after play halted inches away from the Springbok try line.
The referee deemed the ball unplayable after Kurtley Beale got stopped by a desperate defensive effort of Bryan Habana and Frans Steyn. It was clear then that the Springboks would not have the steam in the engines to play the full 80.
Encouraging signs
As the fatigue factor started to set in, the communication and defensive organisation started to drop which allowed the Wallabies to suck in the Springbok defenders and outflank them to set up Pat McCabe for an easy run in.
As expected in a first outing there were also too many handling mistakes by the Springboks to really put the pressure on the Wallabies. Not all of Fourie du Preez's kicks were as accurate as expected from him which allowed some space for the Wallaby danger men to counter attack.
The decision to move John Smit to tighthead around the 60 min mark also put a huge amount of pressure on the Springbok scrum which allowed the Australians to dominate this crucial aspect of the game later in the match.
Although it was again a very disappointing result for Springbok fans there were some encouraging signs of improvement. Pierre Spies had a strong game as did Jaque Fourie in the midfield. The defensive organisation and structure showed a great improvement and was it not for the lack of match fitness later on it seemed sound.
Bismark du Plessis had an immediate impact on his introduction with some incisive runs and some impressive ball steals. He is justly rewarded with a start this weekend against the All Blacks.
The Wallabies returned home after another confidence boosting performance before the start of the World Cup. Rocky Elsom had an improved game although James Horwill was this week announced as captain for the World Cup by Robbie Deans who has also signed an extension on his coaching contract.
All Black challenge
Graham Henry decided to leave several of his star players at home and give a few players an opportunity to regain their match fitness after bouts of injury. Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and Richard Kahui make a welcome return to the starting backline after lengthy bouts of injuries as does Tony Woodcock up front.
There is also a major reshuffle in the back row with Liam Messam packing down at No.8 with Jerome Kaino and Adam Thomson on the sides. Although many of Henry's first choice players have been rested this is still an All Black side full of experience and dangerous combinations.
Sonny Bill Williams gets another start and will have to be closely watched by Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie. The Springboks will hope that the same lack of match fitness that hampered them will plague these players when the Test kicks off in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Pieter de Villiers also changed the starting line-up for Saturday's clash in Port Elizabeth. Pat Lambie comes in for an injured Frans Steyn and Morne Steyn gets given another opportunity to show his capabilities behind a stronger pack this time. In the back row there was disappointing news this week with Juan Smith withdrawing from further rugby this year after he has been unable to recover from an Achilles tendon injury that has sidelined him for most of the season.
Willem Alberts' inclusion will add a valuable source of forward momentum and his strong ball carries will test the All Black defence. The Springbok lineout with Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will also look to put huge pressure on Keven Mealamu's throwing in to expose the only perceived weakness in the All Black armoury. Together with Heinrich Brussouw, Bismarck du Plessis will look to disrupt the opposition's ball at the breakdown.
This is the last chance for the Springboks to gain any momentum leading into the World Cup. The reshuffle of the All Black starting line-up to accommodate a number of returning players from injury, will give the Springboks a realistic chance this week of accomplishing this. The All Blacks are fortunate to have strength in depth, but the Springboks will be too strong for them.
